Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on February 14, 2026
Photo: Courtesy of Annie Dressner
Acclaimed NYC singer-songwriter Annie Dressner has a new Americana indie folk-pop banger, “Dumb Boy,” produced by UK Americana superstar Peter Bruntnell. With one month to go before its release, “Dumb Boy” has already hit the BBC 6 Music airwaves thanks to Riley & Coe (who also included last year’s single “For The Thrill Of It” in their ‘Best of 2025’ show).
“Dumb Boy” is an anthem for all of those who have ever had to deal with someone who’s messed them around without any regard for their feelings. Its lyrics tell the story of the reality of the chase and pull of the potential someone shows you, only to realize that even though they were not worth your time, you still like something about them—holding onto that little glimmer that made your heart flutter. When it ends, you’re left with the bittersweet taste of what once was or what could have been.
Hurt seeps out into petty name-calling: “You’re just a dumb boy in a band / I like the way that you lean when you stand / And you’re just a dumb boy in a band / and I hate that you made me cry.” It’s very relatable if you’ve ever been stung.
This new single is the first release off Dressner’s upcoming record (title and release date TBD), produced by Bruntnell. The vibe of the album is nostalgic of 90s singer-songwriters, or maybe even early R.E.M. Her vocals have been likened to The Cardigans or Suzanne Vega, with vibes of Kathleen Edwards mixed with Tom Petty, and twinges of the late Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries) or Torn-era Natalie Imbruglia. If you close your eyes, you can imagine hearing this track on VH1 or MTV while eating snacks in the kitchen after school, chatting with friends about crushes and silly gossip.
“Dressner is able to paint visceral images and transport the listener to the world of the song.”
– American Songwriter
“Annie is a breath of fresh air. LOVE HER WORK!” – Marc Riley, BBC 6 Music
“This album is low key one of the best pop releases.” – Paste
“Dumb Boy” is an earworm that will have the heartbroken singing from the rooftops so their exes never stop hearing it—hell, they might even start singing it! It’s an anthem for those who wore their hearts on their sleeves and perhaps shouldn’t have—those who gave away more than was worth giving. It’s a song that makes you think about your own self-worth and how much you should put up with—learning to love yourself before some ‘dumb boy in a band.’
It is worth noting that the band is comprised of stellar musicians: Peter Bruntnell (guitars), Peter Noone of The Cross (bass), Mick Clewes (drums), and Paul Goodwin (keys).
Annie has collaborated with Kathryn Williams, Polly Paulusma and David Ford. Recent supports include Jolie Holland (Be Good Tanyas), Badly Drawn Boy, Bernard Butler (Suede) and Danny & The Champions of the World. Past supports include Emily Barker, Ben Ottewell (Gomez), Irish Mythen, The East Pointers, Echobelly, James Walsh (Starsailor) and Lucy Wainwright Roche.
You can catch Annie on tour this spring, with one headline* show as well as a string of dates with renowned Scottish singer-songwriter Kris Drever across the UK, who has kindly invited her to join him.
Tickets available HERE.
14 March — Village Concerts* — READING
1 April — The Lemon Tree — ABERDEEN
2 April — Dunvegan Hall — ISLE OF SKYE
8 April — Philharmonic Hall — LIVERPOOL
9 April — Brewery Arts — KENDAL
10 April — Glasshouse — GATESHEAD
11 April — The Met — BURY
12 April — Puppet Theatre — NORWICH
15 April — Eden Court — INVERNESS
17 April — Mareel — SHETLAND ISLANDS
21 April — The Tin Arts Centre — COVENTRY
22 April — Folk Club — GRAYSHOTT
23 April — The Bear Club — LUTON
24 April — Storey’s Field — CAMBRIDGE
25 April — Firth Hall — SHEFFIELD
30 April — Queen’s Hall — EDINBURGH
